In the clear: Villa striker Benteke acquitted of any involvement in car-jacking trial in Belgium

Christian Benteke has been cleared of all charges over an alleged robbery and assault after the Aston Villa striker was acquitted of any involvement by a Belgian court.

The 21-year-old, who joined Villa in the summer in a £7million move from Genk, had been fighting to clear his name since September after allegations he was connected to a violent car-jacking in Liege a year ago, last November.

Two friends of the Belgian international striker were accused of brutally beating a motorist and making off in his Volkswagen Polo car.

Acquitted: Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke

The 21-year-old Congolese-born player
was arrested at the scene in Liege, Belgium, held overnight and brought
before the Palais de Justice.

But he was cleared on Monday after the judge found that Benteke and his co-defendants had no case to answer.

The alleged victim had stated from
the off that he did not suspect Benteke of being involved and the
21-year-old, who has scored four goals in eight starts this season, was
commended by the public prosecutor for co-operating with the police.

The news will please officials at Villa Park, who in September stood by their new signing.

They had said in a club statement:
‘Christian and his legal team have co-operated with the investigation
and witnesses confirmed he took no part in the matters alleged.’

Commended: The public prosecutor in Liege praised Belgium international Benteke's co-operation with police